If the New Jersey Devils draft Marco Rossi, he could be the next Brayden Point.
The New Jersey Devils have some serious draft capital in the 2020 Entry Draft and three picks in the first round. Their most important of the three is the first one that will be made at selection number seven. There are going to be some great players there to take but Marco Rossi is one that they should really consider. There is a certain NHL player that is currently making headlines with his play that is exactly like what Rossi could become.
Brayden Point is that guy. He is having himself a really nice playoff so far for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is a smaller player that excels in the offensive zone which is exactly what Rossi could become. Brayden Point has now scored two overtime goals to help the Tampa Bay Lightning a series win over the Columbus Blue Jackets in five games. The second one was the series-winning goal on Wednesday afternoon.
He has really developed into one of the NHL’s best players over the past two or three years. In 295 games played, Brayden Point has 116 goals and 146 assists for 262 points. The Lightning has always had star skaters like Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, and Victor Hedman but Brayden Point is absolutely in that conversation now.
The comparison between the two players is because of their size. Brayden Point stands at 5’10” and Marco Rossi is listed at 5’9″. Point is obviously heavier because he is older, stronger, and more mature. Rossi could get there if he works hard and makes that a goal of his. They are also both dynamic offensive players that have changed games at this point in their careers. Braydon Point has obviously proved he can be great at the NHL level while Rossi has a lot of work to do.
Rossi plays for the Ottawa 67’s of the OHL and comes from Austria. 2019-20 was his breakout juniors season as he had 39 goals and 81 assists for 120 points. How he translates to the NHL remains to be seen but the potential is absolutely there. The Devils also have a few other 67’s prospects in the system so drafting him might be smart for that reason too.
The only issue with this idea of drafting Rossi is the position. Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes are centers that are already there so Rossi would be the third guy at the same position drafted there. Well, with a pick that high, you have to take the best player available and there is a good chance that he is the best player there when the Devils come on the clock. Either Hughes or Rossi could even make a transition to wing if they so needed. A lot will be decided but seeing Brayden Point having so much success should really excite whoever lands Rossi.